OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Yamaha SR-B20A Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:120 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Yamaha SR-B20A Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Yamaha SR-B20A
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 63% of models
Score components

95%

5.6

Technical score

5%

8.6

Reviews score ( 0 · 5)

Reviews score 5% · 8.6 · based on 5 videos
5 videos count as 1.8 of the 2 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
▲Better than 63% of soundbars
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

▲Better than 68%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components

25%

5.1

Audio

18%

5.1

Formats

16%

7.2

Connectivity

14%

7.3

Controls

12%

5.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

4.1

Design

▲Better than 62%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Grades by review (5)
5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 90%
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £160
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Yamaha SR-B20A

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components:

25%

5.1

Audio

18%

5.1

Formats

16%

7.2

Connectivity

14%

7.3

Controls

12%

5.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

4.1

Design

5.6
Reviews score
8.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.0
Brand name
Yamaha
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 56.9% of soundbars and equal to 19.2% of soundbars.
Audio output power
120 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 120 W of audio output power, more than 70.7% of soundbars and equal to 6.9% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
55 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, higher than 54.1% of soundbars and equal to 8.1% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
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N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% of soundbars.
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Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
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HDMI version
1.4
This soundbar uses HDMI 1.4, which is newer than that of 39.4% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
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Width
910 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 910 mm wide, wider than 72.9% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
131 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 131 mm high, taller than 96.8% of soundbars.
Thickness
131 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 131 mm thick, thicker than 90.4% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Weight
3,200 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 3,200 g, more than 75.5% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Fabric-wrapped exterior.
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Yamaha SR-B20A vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • 2 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (6 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    6 vs 4
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • 2 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (6 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    6 vs 4
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 3,000 Hz higher max frequency
    This soundbar has a higher maximum frequency than the average soundbar (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 71.4% more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (120 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    120 W vs 70 W
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (for firmware updates only)
  • 1 inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (3 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    3 inch vs 4 inch
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 64 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (131 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    131 mm vs 67 mm
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for firmware updates only)
  • 45 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (131 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    131 mm vs 86 mm
  • 148 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (910 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    910 mm vs 762 mm
  • 4.29x less popular
    Yamaha SR-B20A is less popular than the average soundbar (1 vs 4.3).
    1 vs 4.29
  • 68.4% more expensive
    Yamaha SR-B20A is more expensive than the average soundbar (£160 vs £95).
    £160 vs £95
  • 1 inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (3 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    3 inch vs 4 inch
  • 2 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (0 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    0 vs 2
  • Limited music format support
    This soundbar supports fewer music formats than the average soundbar (none vs MP3).
    none vs MP3
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (for firmware updates only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for firmware updates only)
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 64 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (131 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    131 mm vs 67 mm
  • 45 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (131 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    131 mm vs 86 mm
  • 148 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (910 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    910 mm vs 762 mm
  • 1,200 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,200 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,200 g vs 2,000 g
  • 1 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2020 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    August 2020
    2,020 vs 2,021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Best Buys Reviewed
≈ estimated
29/11/2025
Long-term test · six months of daily use
Verdict
Yamaha SR-B20A is a clear recommendation for anyone ditching TV speakers, with clear dialogue, real bass and easy setup.
9.0
Lone Ranger
≈ estimated
21/11/2023
Long-term test · one month of use and sound tests
Verdict
Yamaha SR-B20A has pleased the reviewer enough to keep it long term, though it lacks streaming features.
8.0
SmartBuy Reviews
≈ estimated
13/12/2023
Short feature overview · built-in subwoofers and voice clarity
Verdict
Yamaha SR-B20A is recommended as an easy audio upgrade for TVs with weak built-in sound.
Shop video
Shop video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Yamaha SR-B20A

  • 2.1 channels, 120 W and HDMI input make it a capable mid-range TV bar
  • Bluetooth, HDMI ARC and optical input cover the main TV and music basics
  • Dialogue enhancement and the remote support easy daily use

What customers don't like about Yamaha SR-B20A

  • No subwoofer, Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
  • No AUX, USB audio, Wi‑Fi or streaming platform
  • No night mode or room calibration

Verdict

The Yamaha SR-B20A is a slim, 120-watt 2.1-channel soundbar featuring six internal drivers: two 1-inch dome tweeters, two 2.125-inch midrange units, and two built-in 3-inch subwoofers with bass reflex ports. Key characteristics include DTS Virtual:X for 3D surround sound, Clear Voice technology for dialogue enhancement, and four optimized sound modes (Stereo, Standard, Movie, and Game). Its primary pros are a compact, wall-mountable design, simple connectivity via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.0, and a dedicated subwoofer output for external expansion. However, notable cons include a somewhat 'one-note' bass response that lacks variety, the absence of Wi-Fi or 4K/HDR pass-through, and basic LED indicators that don't always clearly show the status of specific settings like Clear Voice.

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